asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to reports (details supplied) that there are at present over 70,000 unemployed in the Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Statistics.
2.
The figure of 70,000 quoted by the Deputy represents the number on the live register at local employment offices in mid-February, 1971. It does not represent the total number of genuinely unemployed people because it contains an unknown proportion who are not available for work. Because of this it is not meaningful to equate the number on the live register with total unemployment as it is generally understood. As I stated in my reply to questions by Deputies Collins and O'Connell on the 27th January last, the lingering effects of the cement and banks' disputes and the existence of certain structural factors related to improved social welfare payments have tended to increase the live register figures in recent months. While these effects are now tapering off, it is likely that they still had some influence on the February, 1971, position. In addition, the economic difficulties of the past year, which have resulted in a slowing down of overall growth, have had an effect. A factor of importance here has been the rise in costs resulting from excessive income increases, which may have hampered competitiveness in some areas.
The national pay agreement gives hope that the rise in unit wage costs should not be as great in 1971 as in 1970. Provided the agreement is observed, the outlook is for a larger rise in the volume of national output in 1971 than in 1970, with consequent improvement in employment opportunities. I should like to reaffirm the Government's view that the solution of the problems of employment and emigration is to be found primarily in the creation of new opportunities for employment in industry. The rise in employment in industry over the past few years has been substantial and it is Government policy to continue to press ahead with the encouragement of new industry and the expansion of existing industry, and thereby reduce unemployment and emigration to more acceptable levels.
May I ask the Taoiseach if the Government will give special consideration to the western region where most of this unemployment exists? That region has not got any consideration down through the years.
I must disagree with the Deputy. We do give special consideration in many ways.
The Taoiseach mentioned many reasons which, in his view, are responsible for an increase in unemployment. He referred to the banks' dispute and the cement strike. I think he saved himself when he said that the effects of these were tapering off. I do not believe they are responsible for the 70,000 unemployed. Would the Taoiseach now care to comment on the effects of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement on certain of our industries which are either closing down or laying off some hundreds? Nobody disagrees with the Taoiseach when he says there are more engaged in industrial employment now than there were three years ago but, again, we cannot ignore those who cannot find employment on the land. The fact is that this is the highest unemployment figure for the last four, five or six years. The Taoiseach should at least say what the effects of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement have been, particularly on the textile, footwear and motor industries.
I am satisfied, as far as the textile industry is concerned, that this is a world-wide problem at the present time. It applies not only here but in Europe and in the United States also. I had evidence of that on my recent trip to the States. The recession in employment in individual firms in the footwear industry is due to structural problems within these firms. The motor car industry is being well maintained and the present recession in that industry at the Ford plant in Cork is due mainly to the prolonged strike at the Ford factories in Dagenham and in other parts of England.
Surely the Minister for Industry and Commerce could tell the Taoiseach what is the effect of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement on the textile trade? More foreign clothing is being imported into this country now than ever before and this is having a big effect on the industry.
Initially, the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement had a considerable bolstering effect on the textile industry because of the removal of the restriction on man-made fibres.
This was a factor which was to the advantage of Irish manufactures but in the overall they have lost out because of the agreement.
(Cavan): I understood the Taoiseach to say that included in this figure of 70,000 was a number who are not generally available for work. Would the Taoiseach like to be more specific and define this group? Further, would he say whether this category remains static or whether the figure fluctuates from time to time?
There are a few categories to which I could refer. One includes people whose age exceeds 65 years and of whom the total number on the unemployment register is about 5,000. I think it can be said that in many cases these people are not in a position to take up work. Also, there are 2,500 farmers and the number of relatives assisting farmers amounts to 8,700. I am speaking in round figures. I think it will be accepted that not all of these would be able to take up industrial employment of a permanent nature. There are married women who sign after they have married because by so doing they are entitled to certain benefits. In many cases they are not available for employment. There are older redundant workers whose numbers are not available and, as the Deputy is aware, there are also chronically unemployable persons. These are the main headings.
(Cavan): I asked the Taoiseach whether the group remains static or whether it fluctuates?
I would say it remains relatively static.
(Cavan): So that it does not affect the overall figure.
The Taoiseach did not say that, in the main, persons more than 65 years are drawing retirement pensions and have been deliberately taken off this list——
We cannot have a debate at Question Time. I have already allowed six supplementaries.
In view of these figures can the Taoiseach see any basis for a unilateral refusal to lift tariff restrictions this year by a further 10 per cent?
This is review year in accordance with the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement.
Can the Taoiseach see any basis for acting on that review?
The review is being undertaken.
When the Taoiseach says that special measures have been taken to provide employment for the West of Ireland, is it appreciated by him that in the main any measures that have been taken have failed to a large extent particularly in relation to the West? Would the Taoiseach be prepared to give special consideration to that region with a view to solving the problem?
Again, I do not agree that the measures taken have failed. There have been numerous measures—the special development fund, preferential grants under the IDA and others.
3.
asked the Taoiseach the total number of registered unemployed at Ballina employment exchange, County Mayo, in the last week for which figures are available.
The number of persons on the live register at Ballina employment exchange on 12th March, 1971, was 1,345.
The figure has been on the increase for a considerable length of time and does not this bear out what I have been saying as to the number of unemployed people in this region increasing year after year? Will the Taoiseach take some special action to see that more employment is provided?
As the Deputy may be aware, the figure for the same date in 1970 was 1,475 so that there is a slight decrease.
That is something to boast about.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say whether those who are drawing social welfare benefit would be listed on that unemployment register?
I have not got that information available to me but if the Deputy will put down a question to that effect——
The Deputy should know.
It is a separate question.